Dimensions
Dimensions describe what a trade record refers to. Some are stored as relational fields and some are represented by linked country or product records.
| Concept | Meaning | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Reporter country | Country publishing the trade record | Choose the country you are analysing |
| Partner country | Other country in the bilateral relationship | Compare trade relationships |
| ISO3 | Three-letter country identifier where available | Identify countries consistently |
| UN M49 | UN numerical country or area code | Resolve reporters against UN Comtrade |
| Year | Calendar year of the annual record | Choose a time period |
| Flow code | X exports; M imports | Interpret direction from the reporter's perspective |
| Frequency | A for annual data | Confirm the reporting period |
| HS classification | Harmonized System product classification | Group merchandise categories |
| HS level | Number of digits in product category; current ingestion uses 2 | Understand product granularity |
Measures
| Measure | Definition | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Trade value | Reported monetary value for a trade record | UN Comtrade generally reports values in current US dollars; values are not inflation-adjusted by default |
| Total imports / exports | Sum of relevant reported trade values | Depends on partner/product filters and available records |
| Partner share | Partner's value divided by selected total | Changes with filtering and missing data |
What not to assume
- No row does not necessarily mean zero trade.
- Imports reported by one country may not equal exports reported by its partner.
- Reported trade value is not profit, GDP or physical volume.
- Comparisons across years may be affected by reporting or classification changes.
Scope: This dictionary explains the user-facing data concepts. It is not yet a complete PostgreSQL schema reference or API contract.
Keep exploring WorldTradePulseNext: Model dictionary ↗